The RFL Announces Revised Coach CPD Programme for 2026

The RFL is proud to share positive news regarding a revised programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for coaches, which will be accessible throughout the first quarter of 2026. 

Against the backdrop of the Whole Game Review, and in line with the key aspiration to increase the number, status and quality of coaches across the sport, the development of a revised coach education structure and the reintroduction of coach CPD  delivered in close partnership with community foundations represents the first positive step on this journey. 

RFL Coaching Manager, Chris Spurr, said: 

“Throughout 2025, we have focused on planning and relationship building to provide coaches with a stronger level of support through the community foundation network. We recognise the excellent work already taking place within community clubs, and we are now looking to create mechanisms that enable more, and better supported, coaches to help deliver game-wide growth. 

"Establishing a network of CPD opportunities, alongside a community of coaches sharing best practice, will help develop a peer-support system guided by key development principles.” 

The model developed by the RFL sees 20 community foundations working closely with the organisation throughout 2025 to identify local needs within the community game and commit to delivering CPD opportunities for the clubs and coaches they support. Importantly, the offer is not exclusive to areas with an active foundation. The newly structured Coach Development team, led by Chris Spurr and supported by Anthony Atherton and Ellis Pascall, will also provide targeted support in areas requiring additional provision, with CPD opportunities for London, the Midlands and the North East already scheduled. 

RFL Head of Education, Dave Elliott, also said: 

“A key responsibility of our Coach Development Officers is to engage with leagues, foundations and community coaches to build a strong support network that helps coaches progress on their journey. Working through foundations allows us to strengthen local connections within the sport. Ultimately, we want to see clearer pathways opening and more coaches enjoying positive experiences that they can then cascade to the players they work with.” 

The centralisation of the CPD offer will result in a standardised curriculum available across the sport, ensuring consistent opportunities for coaches nationwide. The programme will focus on Rugby League -specific themes in February, with particular emphasis on the defensive aspects of the sport. March will concentrate on player development for long-term engagement, while April will focus on the coach’s toolkit, covering planning, delivery and reflection. 

With 20 community foundations committed to delivering these workshops, coach accessibility to CPD has never been stronger. 

Bookings for CPD evenings will be managed through individual community foundations, and coaches are encouraged to contact their local foundation to take up the opportunity. There will be a wide range of workshops delivered throughout February, March and April, and coaches who are unable to attend a session in their local area will be able to access the same content in neighbouring regions. 

This work does not stop there. Planning for 2027 is already underway, with the Coach Development team set to visit community clubs throughout the summer to run focus groups, gather feedback from coaches and identify key themes to shape future CPD calendars.